Community celebrates building's 10th anniversary

Tens of thousands of people have used the West Oxford Community Centre, in Botley Road, each year since its launch in 2001.

On Sunday night about 150 residents joined a troop of morris dancers to mark the building’s 10th anniversary.

Guests of all ages sat on rows of trestle tables in the main hall and tucked into lasagna at the event, organised by the West Oxford Community Association.

Chairman Rebecca Huxley said she was delighted with the turnout.

She said: “It was great to see so many people.

“There must have been about 150 packed into the hall, so it was very busy.

“We are trying to make the centre the hub of the community because it hosts so many events and groups.”

The celebration was twinned with the association’s annual meeting.

Mrs Huxley added: “It was important to do that because it meant we trebled the numbers of people you would expect at an AGM.

“It means that more people could have their say about the centre, which gives us a lot more information.

“It’s a fantastic building in a lovely location, so we want as many people as possible to get the best use out of it.”

The former West Oxford Community Centre site, based in a former school in Binsey Lane, was sold to housing developers in 2001.

The land was put up for sale the next year, and the proceeds used to pay for the new centre off Botley Road.

At the time residents were told the existing building was almost 100 years old and no longer economic to run.

In 2009 the centre’s playground underwent a £65,000 renovation, which saw underused facilities from a play area in Helen Road, West Oxford, moved to a new location next to the centre.

Pensioner Geoff Franklin, from Osney, uses the centre and has also served as the caretaker for nine years.

He said: “It is a very important part of the community.

“It’s a lovely building and it is great to see so many people here to celebrate its anniversary.”

For more information about the centre, visit woca.org.uk